The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 08, 2004
Filed:
Oct. 05, 1999
Pella Corporation, Pella, IA (US);
Abstract
A fenestration product such as a door or a window includes a plurality of frame members positioned in a surrounding relationship about a panel, each of the members having a pair of opposite open ends. A plurality of corner locks couple the beveled ends of the frame members together to form secure corners of the frame. A miter joint interface line is defined between the abutting, beveled ends of the members at each corner. Each corner lock comprises a generally L-shaped body having a pair of legs that are secured within the open ends of the corresponding frame members. A pair of parallel sealant channels extend along the back, top and front of the body and are disposed on opposite sides of and laterally offset from the interface line so that sealant filling the channels creates a pair of parallel seal paths between the lock and the frame that are laterally offset from the interface line. This keeps the sealant from escaping through the interface line onto the decorative surface of the frame and creating an unsightly deposit, yet provides a secure seal against the environment. A small notch in the frame at each corner allows a small amount of the sealant to flow out of the corner and onto the non-decorative surface of the frame for covering the interface line on the non-decorative surface.